Castle Kona Bali Kai - detailed hotel review and pictures

   Table of Contents:
1. Location - On a black-rock beach near Kona
2. Rooms - Which rooms have the best view?
3. Restaurants - See 3 ideas for dining out
4. Things to do - Read about on-site facilities
5. Rates - How you can get a good deal
6. Have you stayed at Kona Bali Kai before? - Share your thoughts!
7. Not sure if this condo is right for you? - Consider comparable hotels

1. Location

   Not many condos can match up to Castle Kona Bali Kai (former Marc Kona Bali Kai) in terms of location. It is located oceanfront on a black-rock beach between historic Kailua-Kona town and the world-famous Kona Country Club Golf Course. Although the beach in front is non-swimmable, some great sandy beaches are nearby, such as the Magic Sands Beach and Kahalu’u Beach, known for excellent snorkeling.

   The resort consists of several low-rise buildings that face both the ocean side and mountain side. Many outdoor attractions and adventures are just outside the door, including hiking trails, golf courses, waterfalls and black sand beaches.

   Kailua-Kona town (Big Island’s main town) is only 3 miles away, so you can walk there any time for a nice meal, shopping or just to hang out at the pier.

   Castle Kona Bali Kai is locate 12 miles south of the Kona Airport.

2. Rooms

   The condos are slightly older, with rattan furnishings and a basic layout, but they are very clean and well-maintained. Full kitchen makes it nice to relax and enjoy home-cooked meals on your private balcony. You will see some of the most gorgeous sunsets!

   For just a little more, you can get an >ocean front condo which will be well worth the extra money. At night, you can fall asleep to the amazing sound of the waves crashing into the shore as the moon is shimmering over the water (the ocean is about 50 ft from the back door). It is very relaxing and soothing, and makes you forget the hustle and bustle of your busy life back home.

  • Mountain view condos have air-conditioning;
    oceanfront condos - ceiling fans (ocean breezes cool it down, so you’ll be fine)
  • Studios have kitchenette;
    1- and 2-bdr condos - full kitchen (microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, dishes)
  • Private lanai
  • Color cable TV and VCR

3. Restaurants

   There are quite a few restaurants and cafes located within 1-2 miles from the hotel. Here are our 3 favorite places:

   1) Huggo's – 1.8 miles away, at 75-5828 Kahakai Road in Kona (small road behind Snorkel Bob's on Alii Drive)

   For the last 30 years, Huggo's earned a reputaion as Kona’s premiere restaurant for fresh seafood, oceanfront ambiance and casual elegance. You will enjoy a memorable view of the ocean from its open windows situated above the rocks. If you are lucky, you will see Manta Rays and moray eels in the well-lit shore waters.

   The majority of menu items feature island fish, exquisitely prepared in Pacific Rim or Mediterranean style. As Bon Appetit magazine said, every day, the local fishermen bring their big catches directly to the restaurant’s door for the chef’s discriminating inspection.

   Dinner entrees include:

  • Seafood Linguine
       Fresh Island Fish, Shrimp, Tomatoes, Macadamia Nut Pesto, Shitake Mushrooms, Garlic in a Sherry Cream Sauce, Grilled Vegetable Relish, Parmesan-Reggiano Cheese.

  • Shrimp and Fish Stir Fry
       Jumbo Shrimp, Fresh Island Fish, Garden Vegetables, Wok Seared in an Oyster, Garlic, Sherry Sauce, Chukka Soba Noodles.

  • New York Steak
       12 Ounces of Certified Angus Beef, Brandy Green Peppercorn Sauce. Wasabi Macadamia Nut Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, Frizzled Onions.

   After dinner, try dancing in the open ocean air to live music. Every night there is a different performer, group or entertainer.

 

   2) Tropica Cafe – 1.9 miles away, at Royal Kona Resort

   Here you will experience an interesting blend of flavors from around the world. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus feature freshest Hawaiian-style fare, with ingredients coming straight from the Big Island's gardens. Be adventurous and order something new, or stick with your favorites - either way, you may end up taking home a whole new style of cooking.

 

   3) Windjammer Lounge – 1.9 miles away, at Royal Kona Resort

   Each evening, this bar is the place to be for dancing, live entertainment and cocktail specials. It overlooks Kalua Bay's splashing surf, and, if you get here early, you can enjoy amazing sunset view.

4. Things to do

    On-site facilities include:
  • Small swimming pool and Jacuzzi
  • Oceanfront BBQs
  • Laundromat (fee)
  • Convenience store
  • Activities desk
  • Free local phone calls
  • Free parking

Building:
Building

Lobby:
Lobby

Studio:
Studio

Condo:
Condo

Lanai:
Lanai

Tropica Cafe (at Royal Kona Resort):
Tropica Cafe

Front lawn and beach:
Front lawn and beach

Pool:
Pool

Map:
Map

5. Rates

Save $51-$158 per night when you book our wholesale rate, plus get a 5th night free.
     Our rates are lower than Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz.
     Check rates and availability here!

6. Have you stayed at Castle Kona Bali Kai before? Share your thoughts!

   Email us your comments about Castle Kona Bali Kai (former Marc Kona Bali Kai) and we'll post them on this page!

   Note: Your contact information will be kept strictly confidential.
   We respect your privacy and we'll never sell or misuse your email address.

   Your email:

   Your name:

   How did you like your stay at Castle Kona Bali Kai?
   

      

7. Not sure if this condo is right for you? Consider comparable hotels

   Here are the links to similar hotels: ResortQuest Kona by the Sea (3 stars, condo) and Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort (3 stars, hotel).

   Want to check out other hotels on Big Island? See all 21 hotels and condos.


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